Five After 5

This week's Five After 5 features five of my favorite U.S. cities that I've visited. I have different reasons for each, but here is a quick list off the top of my head, in no particular order.

Los Angeles

I actually have mixed feelings about LA (the traffic. omg.) and am not sure I could ever live there, but I have a specific fond memory of LA that I will cherish forever. I am a native-born Coloradoan, as land-locked as you can get, but as much as I love our mountains I have a fascination and longing for the ocean. LA was not the first place I ever saw the ocean, but it was the first place I swam in it. Not only did I swim, I learned to boogie board at Venice Beach. Surfing is a life-long bucket list dream for me and boogie boarding was a step in that direction. That summer afternoon is still one of the best days in my memory.

Denver

C'mon now, I can't leave out my city of birth. I love Colorado and no matter where I roam in the world, the Mile High City will always hold a special place in my heart. Love the abundant sunshine, love the dry climate, love the altitude, love how how you can be both a city dweller and an outdoor enthusiast in one place. I am definitely a proud Coloradoan.

Portland

When I think of Portland I think of lush greenery and the best bowl of [white] clam chowder I've ever had. That is all.

New York City

I've visited three different times and can't wait for my next visit. My memories range from visiting the beautiful campus of Columbia, taking dance classes at Steps on Broadway, taking the wrong train and ending up in Brooklyn when we wanted to end up in Battery Park, the beautiful bed & breakfast in Harlem, eating at a Polish restaurant with old and new friends in the Lower East Side at 3am, staying at the Waldork Astoria... The list goes on and on and on. I heart NY.

Chicago

Chi-town. Love love love the Windy City. I've only been once but I long for the next time I will walk down Michigan Avenue. I attended a dance intensive with Deeply Rooted Productions in the summer of 2009. That was a pivotal experience and it very well could be that my time at the intensive is what makes me so fond of Chicago. I learned SO much that summer, both as a dancer and as a human being. Even as I write this, my heart strings are tugging.

Images from Google Images

What are your favorite cities?

xoxo
J